Abstract: A catalytic converter for an internal combustion engine exhaust system comprises a single-piece, seamless metal housing having tubulated gas inlet and outlet ports and a tubulated intermediate section with a plurality of cascaded catalytic element therein. The intermediate section is connected to the inlet port by an inlet transition section and to the outlet port by an outlet transition section. The inlet and outlet ports and the inlet and outlet transition sections are formed by swaging the ends of a seamless tube used to form the housing. Exhaust gas produced by operation of the engine passes into the converter and through the catalytic element. Noxious substances in the exhaust, including CO, NOx, and incompletely combusted hydrocarbons are converted to more benign substances through the action of the catalytic element, which is preferably a frangible ceramic honeycomb structure having a plurality of internal passages coated with a catalytically active substance.

Abstract: A honeycomb body for the chemical conversion of at least one component of a gas stream, in particular an exhaust-gas stream from an internal combustion engine, includes an inflow passage having an axis, and sheet-metal layers. At least some of the sheet-metal layers are structured to form two sets of crests and passages through which the gas stream can flow. Each of the sets of crests of each of the sheet-metal layers define a respective plane. The sheet-metal layers are segmented in circumferential direction of the honeycomb body. The axis and the plane include an angle of between 45° and 135°, preferably between 70° and 110°. The radial honeycomb body is particularly easy to produce.

Abstract: A system for separating a gaseous constituent from a gaseous mixture includes a substantially sealed passageway extending between a first exhaust port and a second exhaust port. An entry port for a gas mixture to be separated opens into the passageway. At least three gas-permeable electrodes are disposed across the passageway at intervals. The electrodes divide the passageway into multiple sections. Each section is bounded at opposing ends by an electrode, and the sections are disposed in serial fashion through at least a portion of the passageway. A high-voltage static electric field may be applied to opposing electrodes of one or more sections. When voltage is so applied, gas may be drawn through a static electric field in one or more sections, by applying suction to the exhaust ports.

Abstract: This invention presents a process to produce bulk quantities of nanowires of a variety of semiconductor materials. Large liquid gallium drops are used as sinks for the gas phase solute, generated in-situ facilitated by microwave plasma. To grow silicon nanowires for example, a silicon substrate covered with gallium droplets is exposed to a microwave plasma containing atomic hydrogen. A range of process parameters such as microwave power, pressure, inlet gas phase composition, were used to synthesize silicon nanowires as small as 4 nm (nanometers) in diameter and several micrometers long. As opposed to the present technology, the instant technique does not require creation of quantum sized liquid metal droplets to synthesize nanowires. In addition, it offers advantages such as lower growth temperature, better control over size and size distribution, better control over the composition and purity of the nanowires.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the fluorination (or derivatization with alternative chemical species) of fullerene carbon nanocages as an efficient way to (a) facilitate synthesis of endohedral complexes by a significant reduction or elimination of the barriers for the entry of guest-ions, -atoms or molecules, and (b) to preserve the chemical stability of final product.

Abstract: A process for production of sulphuric acid comprising condensing sulphuric acid vapour from a gas mixture containing 0.01 to 10 vol. % of H2SO4 vapour calculated at complete hydration of SO3 in the gas to H2SO4 and 0 to 50 vol. % of water vapour by cooling of the gas in a sulphuric acid tower, wherein a stream containing NH3 is added upstream of the tower in an amount corresponding to 0.01-100 ppm NH3 by vol. in the gas stream at the entry of the tower.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the production of nanoparticles using a continuous flow miniaturised reaction vessel. In particular, the invention provides a method for preparing nanoparticles by a direct one-stage process.

Abstract: Novel tumor specific phototherapeutic and photodiagnostic agents are disclosed. The compounds consist of a carbocyanine dye for visualization, photosensitizer for photodynamic treatment, and tumor receptor-avid peptide for site-specific delivery of the probe and phototoxic agent to diseased tissues. A combination of these elements takes full advantage of the unique and efficient properties of each component for an effective patient care management.

Abstract: Increased compliance in the use of topical sunscreens is obtained by combining a topical sunscreen agent in a formulation containing an antibacterial medication such as azelaic acid or an antibiotic.

Abstract: Methods for treating cell proliferative disorders by administering virus to proliferating cells having an activated Ras-pathway are disclosed. The virus is administered so that it ultimately directly contacts proliferating cells having an activated Ras-pathway. Proliferative disorders include but are not limited to neoplasms. The virus is selected from modified adenovirus, modified HSV, modified vaccinia virus and modified parapoxvirus orf virus. Also disclosed are methods for treating cell proliferative disorders by further administering a immunosuppressive agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of coronary heart disease by revascularization therapy, and more particularly to the intramyocardial injection of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a recombinant fibroblast growth factor-1 protein or a fragment of a recombinant fibroblast growth factor-1 protein, optionally, with a physiologic glue for inducing local neoangiogenesis in ischemic myocardium. Methods of producing the recombinant fibroblast growth factor 1 protein and fragments are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for establishing electrical coupling between cardiomyocytes and recombinant cells which have been genetically engineered to express a connexin protein such as connexin 43 (Cx43) protein. The invention is based on the discovery that genetic modification of skeletal muscle cells to express a recombinant connexin, enables the genetically modified cells to establish electrocommunication with cardiac cells via gap junctions. The recombinant connexin-expressing cells can be used for repair of cardiac tissue and for treatment of cardiac disease by transplantation into cardiac tissue.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating a wide range of inflammatory diseases and disorders, and for inhibiting selectin-mediated binding by administering a mocarhagin protein, or fragments thereof with mocarhagin protein activity are provided. The mocarhagin protein may be administered alone, or in combination with a cytokine, lymphokine, or hematopoietic factor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing patient cancerous disease modifying antibodies using a novel paradigm of screening. By segregating the anti-cancer antibodies using cancer cell cytotoxicity as an end point, the process makes possible the production of anti-cancer antibodies for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. The antibodies can be used in aid of staging and diagnosis of a cancer, and can be used to treat primary tumors and tumor metastases. The anti-cancer antibodies can be conjugated to toxins, enzymes, radioactive compounds, and hematogenous cells.

Abstract: The invention features methods and compositions for preventing or treating pain resulting from surgery or an incision by administering an antagonist of nerve growth factor (NGF). The NGF antagonist may be an anti-NGF (such as anti-hNGF) antibody that is capable of binding hNGF.

Abstract: Anti-TNF antibodies, fragments and regions thereof which are specific for human tumor necrosis factor-? (TNF?) and are useful in vivo diagnosis and therapy of a number of TNF?-mediated pathologies and conditions, as well as polynucleotides coding for murine and chimeric antibodies, methods of producing the antibody, methods of use of the anti-TNF antibody, or fragment, region or derivative thereof, in immunoassays and immunotherapeutic approaches are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are immunogenic compositions, methods of designing immunogenic compositions, methods of treatment using immunogenic compositions, methods of evaluating cell-mediated immunity resulting from immunogenic compositions, research models, and methods of making research models, all of which relate to targeting tumor vasculature.

Abstract: The invention describes HLA class II binding peptides encoded by the MAGE-3 tumor associated gene, as well as nucleic acids encoding such peptides and antibodies relating thereto. The peptides stimulate the activity and proliferation of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Methods and products also are provided for diagnosing and treating conditions characterized by expression of the MAGE-3 gene.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modified Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen Der p 5 protein which has ability to inhibit IgE binding when exposed against to the antigen. A method for treating allergy comprising administrating a therapeutically effective dose of the modified D. pteronyssinus allergen Der p 5 protein to a subject suffering from allergy Der p 5 is also provided.

Abstract: Fusion proteins comprising an immunogenic polypeptide are disclosed. The immunogenic polypeptide consists of the amino acid sequence motif Xaa-Thr-Xaa-Val-Thr-Gly-Gly-Xaa-Ala-Ala-Arg-Thr-Thr-Xaa-Gly-Xaa-Xaa-Ser-Leu-Phe-Xaa-Xaa-Gly-Xaa-Ser-Gln-Xaa-Ile-Gln-Leu-Ile (SEQ ID NO:8). Also disclosed are immunogenic compositions comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and the fusion protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions of the capsular polysaccharide/adhesin (PS/A) of staphylococci. The PS/A may be isolated or synthesized and includes various modifications to the structure of native PS/A based on the chemical characterization of PS/A. The invention also relates to the use of the PS/A as a vaccine for inducing active immunity to infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, other related coagulase-negative staphylococci and organisms carrying the ica (intracellular adhesin) locus, and to the use of antibodies directed to PS/A for inducing passive immunity to the same class of infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides the means and methods for selecting immunogenic peptides and the immunogenic peptide compositions capable of specifically binding glycoproteins encoded by HLA alleles and inducing T cell activation in T cells restricted by the allele. The peptides are useful to elicit an immune response against a desired antigen. The immunogenic peptide compositions of the present invention comprise immunogenic peptides having an HLA binding motif, where the peptide is from a target antigen. Target antigens of the present invention include prostate specific antigen (PSA), hepatitis B core and surface antigens (HBVc, HBVs) hepatitis C antigens, Epstein-Barr virus antigens, melanoma antigens (e.g., MAGE-1), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antigens, human papilloma virus (HPV) antigens, Lassa virus, mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT), p53, CEA, trypanosome surface antigen (TSA) and Her2/neu.

Abstract: Moisturizing compositions containing bilayered vesicles, e.g., microvesicles, are provided. In some implementations, the vesicles include an ethoxylated polyol ester of a fatty acid, a sterol, and a long chain fatty alcohol.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved compositions and methods for preventing or inhibiting the development of ingrown hairs or razor bumps in skin subjected to hair removal techniques by applying compositions containing sebum reduction agents; keratolytic agents and anti-inflammatory agents.

Abstract: A felt for repairing soft tissue defects comprising a membranous collagen substrate and a bioresorbable fiber felted onto the collagen substrate. Methods of preparing a felt and methods of repairing soft tissue damage with a felt are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for producing flowable compositions, e.g. pastes, that set into calcium phosphate products that include an osteoclastogenic agent. In the subject methods, dry reactants that include a calcium source and a phosphate source are combined with a setting fluid and an osteoclastogenic agent, e.g., RANKL or a mimetic thereof, and the combined reactants are mixed to produce the flowable composition. Also provided are the compositions themselves as well as kits for preparing the same. The subject methods and compositions produced thereby find use in a variety of applications, including hard tissue repair applications.

Abstract: A method and product are provided for the treatment of connective tissue weakened due to destruction of tissue architecture, and in particular due to elastin degradation. The treatment agents employ certain unique properties of phenolic compounds to develop a protocol for reducing elastin degradation, such as that occurring during aneurysm formation in vasculature. According to the invention, elastin can be stabilized in vivo and destruction of connective tissue, such as that leading to life-threatening aneurysms in vasculature, can be tempered or halted all together. The treatment agents can be delivered or administered acutely or chronically according to various delivery methods, including sustained release methods incorporating perivascular or endovascular patches, use of microsphere carriers, hydrogels, or osmotic pumps.

Abstract: An agent for preventing and/or treating sinusitis, comprising, as an active ingredient, a compound of the formula (I): or a salt and/or hydrate thereof. The pranlukast hydrate is useful as an agent for preventing and/or treating sinusitis.

Abstract: The invention described in this application relates to a method of increasing the amount of weight gained by the mammal during a feeding period, to a method of increasing the amount of milk replacer consumed by the mammal during a feeding period, to a method of decreasing the amount of scour of the ruminant during a feeding period, to a method of decreasing the amount of respiratory distress of the mammal during a feeding period, to a method of feeding the ruminant, to a mammal ration, to a daily mammal ration, to a method of feeding mammals an animal feed that contains resistant starch, and to a method of increasing the feed efficiency of a mammal during a feeding period that entails feeding the mammal an effective amount of a fluid animal feed during the feeding period and feeding the mammal an effective amount of resistant starch during the feeding period.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to wound dressings that contain a fabric made from biocompatible polymeric fibers and having flexibility, strength and porosity effective for use as a hemostat, and a porous, polymeric matrix prepared from a biocompatible, water-soluble or water-swellable polymer dispersed through the fabric; and to methods of making such wound dressings.

Abstract: A ligating band according to the present invention comprises an elastomeric layer and an inner drug releasing layer. The inner drug releasing layer includes a therapeutic agent, for example a chemotherapeutic agent for treating a mucosa, polyp or other growth. A ligating band according to the present invention also may include an inner diffusion barrier disposed between the elastomeric layer and the inner drug releasing layer, with the elastomeric layer and the inner drug releasing layer each contacting the inner diffusion barrier.

Abstract: A delivery system including a body construction (7) and at least one capsule (8) containing a pharmaceutical composition, the capsule having at least a first end and a second end. The body construction (7, 12, 34) has at least two locking parts (9, 10), each locking part (9, 10) having at least a first end and a second end, the first end of each locking part (9, 10) having a surface adapted to face and cover one of the at least first and second ends of the capsule (8). The diameter of at least one of the locking parts varies along its length between the first end and the second end, and the capsule (8) is mounted between the at least two locking parts. Also disclosed is a manufacturing process of a delivery system, the system including a body construction and at least one capsule containing a pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: Particles having a tap density of less than 0.4 g/cm3 include a hydrophobic amino acid or salt thereof and a therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agent or any combination thereof. Preferred particles include a phospholipid, have a median geometric diameter between about 5 and about 30 microns and an aerodynamic diameter between about 1 and about 5 microns. The particles can be formed by spray-drying and are useful for delivery to the pulmonary system.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing compositions, e.g. pastes or clays, which rapidly set into high-strength calcium phosphate products. In the subject methods, dry reactants that include calcium and phosphate sources, as well as a monovalent cation dihydrogen phosphate salt, are combined with a setting fluid and the combined reactants are mixed to produce the settable composition. A feature of the invention is that cements rapidly set into high strength product compositions. Also provided are the compositions themselves as well as kits for preparing the same. The subject methods and compositions produced thereby find use in a variety of applications, including hard tissue repair applications.

Abstract: Microparticles and a method for their production is described. The process of the present invention provides a simple, quick, and efficient one-pot process for the production of microparticles containing a hydrophilic active agent of various and uniform morphologies, including microcapsules, microspheres, and microsponges. The microparticles are preferably used for pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: A composition and method for cleaning, sanitizing and maintaining contained bodies of water such as swimming pools, wading pools, fountains, ornamental ponds, etc. The composition includes pre-determined percentages of copper sulfate, zinc sulfate, and aluminum sulfate by weight. The composition and method reduce amounts of chlorine and an amount of labor associated with the cleaning, sanitization and maintenance of contained bodies of water.

Abstract: Disclosed are a facial pack composition and a bathing composition based on loess, and methods for preparing the same. The bathing composition makes a user feel refreshed, prevents arteriosclerosis and fat accumulation in human bodies, is useful for the treatment of maturating diseases such as dermatophytosis and dermatitis and stimulates metabolism and blood circulation system of the human body. Additionally, the facial pack includes loess having a fine particle size sufficient to avoid skin irritation and thus does not adversely affect the skin even if the user uses the pack everyday. The loess is pretreated by a unique aging method and selected additives, so that the far infrared ray-emitting effect of the loess can be maximized. Therefore, it provides skin health-aid and cosmetic effects.

Abstract: Novel compositions of matter containing aromatic compounds and terpenoids which are present in and may preferably be derived from the plant Alpinia galanga (Zingiberaceae) show synergistic effects with respect to immunomodulation, and they significantly suppress hypersensitivity reactions. Thus they are used for preparing medicaments for these purposes and, more specifically, for the treatment or prevention of IgE mediated allergic reactions and conditions, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic eczema or anaphylaxis, and autoimmune disorders, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis, as well as for the alleviation of pain. They can for example be formulated into pharmaceuticals, cosmetics or dietary supplements. A method of preparing such compositions from Alpinia galanga is also described.

Abstract: A composition and method for the prevention and therapeutic treatment of skin conditions and disorders are disclosed. The composition and method of the invention are particularly directed to the treatment and prevention of dermal irritations. These irritations include, for example, psoriasis, eczema, ichthyosis, pruritus, dryness and dermatitis, which may cause skin to crack, chap or chafe. The composition and method are particularly useful in treating and preventing diaper dermatitis. A therapeutic composition according to the invention includes an agent, which is an enzyme constituent, promoting the synthesis of collagen and the reproduction of cells, particularly skin cells. Such therapeutic agents include, for example, zinc oxide. This agent is generally nonprescription and capable of effectively preventing and treating diaper dermatitis through local or topical application.

Abstract: An extruder die assembly and method for using same is disclosed that may be adapted to a wide variety of commercial-grade extrusion devices common in the food industry. The disclosed method comprises extruding a known composition of a farinaceous food product through the extruder die assembly of the present invention to produce a flavored direct-expanded food product exhibiting enhanced flavor characteristics, but requiring no post-extrusion drying or seasoning process. The injection section of the extruder die assembly is used to impart flavoring additives into the extrudate mass shortly before expansion, thereby preserving the flavoring characteristics of the additive by minimizing the heat exposure of the flavoring additive. The extruder die assembly may also include static mixing elements downstream from the injection section to homogenize the flavoring or seasoning media into the flowing mass of extrudate.

Abstract: The invention concerns an acidic butter oil-in-water emulsion of a lipophilic substance capable of imparting, improving or modifying the flavor properties of a composition to which it is added. These emulsions are particularly stable due to the presence of a combination of high methoxyl pectin and whey protein in their continuous phase, which combination acts as an emulsifier and a stabilizer of these emulsions. These systems can be advantageously used for the flavoring of various food applications, in particular for dairy products. The emulsion can be used as is or can be dried to a powder prior to such use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flavoring composition having a better milk-like flavor and a process for producing the composition. The composition comprises a 5-alkenoic acid and/or a 6-alkenoic acid both represented by general formula (1) and a lower aliphatic aldehyde having not greater than 8 carbon atoms: wherein n is an integer of from 1 to 4, and the dashed line represents the presence of a carbon-carbon double bond at either side. The composition may further comprise a ?-lactone represented by general formula (2) and/or a ?-lactone represented by general formula (3): wherein n is an integer of from 1 to 4; and wherein n is an integer of from 1 to 4.

Abstract: High protein and high fiber food products, additives for preparing high protein and high fiber food products, and methods of making high protein and high fiber food products are disclosed. More particularly, the additives and methods disclosed are useful for preparing high protein and high fiber bread products. The additives comprise protein and/or fiber, at least one hydrocolloid, oil, and water and may optionally comprise minerals and emulsifiers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) for fabricating a thin-layer yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte on a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anode substrate constructed of nickel-YSZ cermet. By reducing the thickness of the electrolyte, and thereby reducing the cell internal IR drop, an intermediate temperature SOFC (ITSOFC) can operate at 600–800° C. A collar positioned at a distance from a discharge end of a spray nozzle enhances a spray pattern of a precursor including the electrolyte material and thus provides a very thin electrolyte layer.

Abstract: ZnMg oxide tunnel barriers are grown which, when sandwiched between ferri- or ferromagnetic layers, form magnetic tunnel junctions exhibiting high tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR). The TMR may be increased by annealing the magnetic tunnel junctions. The zinc-magnesium oxide tunnel barriers may be incorporated into a variety of other devices, such as magnetic tunneling transistors and spin injector devices. The ZnMg oxide tunnel barriers are grown by first depositing a zinc and/or magnesium layer onto an underlying substrate in oxygen-poor (or oxygen-free) conditions, and subsequently depositing zinc and/or magnesium onto this layer in the presence of reactive oxygen.

Abstract: A vehicle masking material and method of use. The masking material in one embodiment includes polyvinyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, glycerine or triethylene glycol, a surfactant, and water. The masking material is applied to a surface which is to be protected from paint overspray or other mechanical process, allowed to dry, and paint is applied. After drying of the paint, the masking material is removed by peeling or water washing.

Abstract: A rotatable vacuum chamber receives an optical connector having an output face on which an optical gel is applied substantially without entrapped air. Opposite the output face is placed a gel dispenser with its opened nozzle pointing towards the output face. Uncured gel components contained in the dispenser are outgased prior to application of the gel on the output face while a vacuum is maintained in the chamber. Outgasing takes place at a first chamber orientation with the nozzle pointing upwards through which the outgasing air ventilates. The gel is applied at a second chamber orientation where the output face is horizontal and upwards pointing. Immediately following the gel application, the vacuum is unmade to prevent cooking of the mixed and uncured gel. A glass plate is then pressed against the applied fluid gel.

Abstract: A method of selectively applying pressure-sensitive adhesive to a nonwoven web and thereby forming a cleaning sheet having adhesive free peaks and adhesive containing valleys includes coating an adhesive transfer roll with adhesive, transferring a portion of the adhesive to raised regions of a female pattern forming roll, and transferring the adhesive from the raised regions of the female pattern forming roll to the web. An apparatus for selectively applying pressure-sensitive adhesive to a nonwoven web and forming a cleaning sheet is also described.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a water-swellable porous plastic plug is provided, the process including the steps of: providing a porous substrate having a plurality of passageways therethrough, disposing into the passageways a hydrophilic polymer, irradiating the substrate to induce cross-linking of the hydrophilic polymer, such that the polymer forms a hydrogel coating on the walls of the passageways.

Abstract: A system and method for abating a simultaneous flow of silane and arsine contained in an exhaust gas of DRAM processing chamber (12). The system includes a CVD abatement apparatus (20) and a resin-type absorber (22). The CVD abatement apparatus comprises an enclosure (24) that defines a chamber (26) for receiving the exhaust gas. The enclosure contains a plurality of removable substrates (32) arranged as a series of baffles inside the enclosure. As the exhaust gas flows through the CVD abatement apparatus, the silicon within the silane is deposited as a film upon the substrates by chemical vapor deposition. The arsine continues to flow through the CVD apparatus to the absorber where it is adsorbed by the resin contained therein. After the film has reached a particular thickness, the substrates can be removed from the enclosure, cleaned of the film and returned to the enclosure for further use.